New Year wait for third-round clash

Tony Philliskirk’s under-18s side face another wait to play their FA Youth Cup tie against Bournemouth.

ATHLETIC’S young guns are battling against time to play their third-round FA Youth Cup tie against Bournemouth.

The fixture was postponed a day ahead of kick-off for the second time this week - with no official reason offered. It is believed the game has been put back again in the hope of preserving the pitch. Heavy rainfall was expected right up to kick-off and if the game had been called off with the Cherries already in town, Athletic would be left with the bill for the club’s travel costs from the south coast.

There was also the potential knock-on factor of pitch damage had it gone ahead — a nightmare prospect for ground staff ahead of two home matches in six days over Christmas and New Year.

The youth game, which pits Athletic against Premier League opponents, is now set for January 12.

The prize for the winner will be a home tie against Luton in round four. The winner of that game faces a last-16 fixture away to Exeter or Preston.

Tony Philliskirk’s under-18s were back in action after a three and a half week break with a 3-2 win at Burton on Saturday.